Slipper is widely regarded as the future of the Wallabies' front-row and has recently committed himself to the Australian Rugby Union for a further two years until 2013.

Slipper made his break through season in 2010 for the Queensland Reds and went onto debut for the Wallabies later that summer from the bench against England. Slipper was largely used as a replacement in the midst of the Robinson, Moore, Alexander monopoly of the Australian front-row.

After an impressive 2011 Super Rugby season with the Reds - which ended with a tournament win - Slipper was firmly in contention for a place in the final 30-man squad going to the World Cup. An ankle injury threatened to derail his campaign but coach Robbie Deans backed the youngster and Slipper went to the World Cup providing vital cover across the front-row.